1. Crafting a Competitive Application

2. Graduate school application components
Application/Questionnaire
Transcripts
Resume/CV
Letters of recommendation
Statement of Purpose
GRE 2

3. Application, Resume, Transcript
Follow instructions/guidelines
List your full name on top of every submitted document
Submit before the first deadline!
Ensure your application contains all required credentials
Follow up
Application Fees
Resume
Ensure it looks professional
Transcript
Submit official transcripts for every school attended since high
school

4. 2016 Student Academic Profile
Average GPA – 3.57
Average GRE – 153/164/3.6
Average TOEFL – 98
Please mention that we admit students below and above this average.

5. Secrets to a Successful Graduate Application
Preparation
Research
Start Connecting/Build relationships
Familiarization with, knowledge of, and adhering to application guidelines/instructions
Deadlines
Required vs recommended
Follow up

6. Resume What is a Resume/CV? What should be in your Resume/CV?
What shouldn’t be in your Resume/CV?
How long should your Resume/CV be?
Good web resource:
Explain differences briefly.

7. Recommendation letters
Types of Recommendation Letters
Do not submit letters from friends, coaches, family, etc...
If submitting letters from industry they should be at a high level preferably someone with a PhD
Long letters vs short letters
Generic letters vs glowering letters
Timing
Allow 3-5 weeks for letters to be written
PAD the due date
Ensure Strong Faculty Recommendations
Undergraduate Research
Visit Their Office
Do well in their courses!
Read their publications
Ask them to be your mentor
Provide them with your resume and an outline of the points you would like covered if necessary
At least 2 recommendations from PhD holders. Review committee composed of fac with PhD’s. Faculty value the input of another PhD because they know they understand what it takes to get a PhD.
Each recommender should focus on a different area
academics
research aptitude
personal characteristics or performance as an employee

8. Statement of Purpose What is a statement of purpose? Tips Concise
One or two page essay describing your career goals and how your past experiences have prepared you for your desired path.
Should be customized for research going on in the program to which you are applying
Include potential advisors and their research
Tips
Concise
Identify gaps quickly
Write, rewrite, have others edit
Make is engaging
Mention this is an opportunity to differentiate themselves from all the other applicants. In some cases it will be a chance to make a first impression.
Include how their program will help you achieve your goals.
Reach out to fac of interest early to establish relationship
If fac interested in you this could differentiate you from other applicants.

9. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Take it!
even if your first choice school does not require it
Take practice tests
Be very familiar with the format and instructions prior
Strive for a high Quantitative score
Be cognizant of score submission deadlines

10. GRE http://www.gre.org Computer-based exams offered continuously
Resources include online practice exams, and campus workshops/seminars
Submit GRE scores with admission packet
GRE required for some funding at some funding opportunities

11. Additional Resources